The L.A. Galaxy has as many wins as it does losses with its latest superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
With the disappointing 2-0 defeat last weekend to Atlanta. The Galaxy has earned a mediocre 2-2 record since the Swedish international joined the team.
Saturday’s loss was especially frustrating for Ibrahimovic, who had few if any actual scoring chances. Teammates repeatedly failed to find the striker in the box, and Ibrahimovic couldn’t generate many of his own opportunities.
Injuries to key teammates have contributed to the lackluster offense. Mexican brothers Giovani and Jonathan Dos Santos have both missed playing time since Ibrahimovic joined the team.
The team scratched Jonathan Dos Santos from Saturday’s game just before the start as the midfielder picked up a leg injury during warm-ups. Giovani Dos Santos played his first minutes with Ibrahimovic on Saturday, joining the Swede on the field as a second half substitute. The elder Dos Santos has missed nearly six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Ibrahimovic expressed frustration with his current form following Saturday’s loss.
“Wish I could do more today,” Ibrahimovic said, according to ESPN. “I pushed it. I just want to give back as much as possible. I’m trying. I will do more, I promise.”
Atlanta, a team with a 5-0-1 record since being blown out in it’s first game, outplayed the Galaxy throughout. The team dominated possession, and consistently created scoring opportunities.
The Galaxy, on the other hand, only challenged Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan on a handful of occasions.
He added, “It’s not only the strikers that are the offense. The whole team works together. It’s like a domino effect. We go up, we go down. If you do it collectively, it’s easier and more strong.”
The Galaxy next play the New York Red Bulls at the StubHub Center this Saturday before heading on the road to play the Houston Dynamo on May 5.
